Teaser for “Wuthering Heights” adaptation stirs online backlash

Kelcy Conroy

Managing Editor

A new movie adaptation of English author Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights” has sparked negative opinions across the internet, more so after the teaser trailer’s release on Sept. 3. 

This novel, released in 1847 and Brontë’s only novel follows two families living on the West Yorkshire moors, the Earnshaws and the Lintons as well as the tumultuous romance that forms between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

“Wuthering Heights” has been adapted many times with the most recent adaptation releasing in 2022. This new adaptation is directed by Emerald Fennell, best known for directing the psychological thriller “Saltburn” in 2023. Jacob Elordi, who played a leading role in “Saltburn” will play Heathcliff while Margot Robbie, most recently of “Barbie” fame will play Catherine. It has also been revealed that British singer/songwriter Charli XCX will have original songs in the film.

Image Credits: people.com

This adaptation has caused a good deal of speculation online both positive and negative. Its trailer, for example sets the film as leaning heavily into themes of passion and sexuality, which some believe is unfaithful to the original source material. Another frequent point of complaint is the use of a soundtrack by Charli XCX, whose typical music style presents as a stark contrast to the film’s romantic theme and 1800s timeframe. This adaptation seems also unable to escape its most problematic decision, the casting of Elordi, a white actor as Heathcliff, a character who is understood to be of Romani descent. People are commenting on how it takes the idea of “class and racial otherness out of ‘Wuthering Heights,” as reads one of the comments made by a user on Twitter.

Despite the backlash there are positive comments about the adaptation, though few and far between. Some say that the film looks visually and thematically very compelling yet it breaks away from “Wuthering Heights’” original story and could do better as a standalone original movie. Positive comments have also been made referring towards Fennell’s previous productions with other online commenters saying that while they enjoy Fennell’s projects, they cannot defend them. 

“Wuthering Heights” is set to release sometime in 2026. Meanwhile, interested viewers can watch the recently released teaser trailer. Share your thoughts on Fennell's newest and potentially most controversial film to date by messaging The Anchor on Instagram.